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- 12 oz penne pasta - 1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained - 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup sour cream Penne pasta is the star here. It holds the creamy sauce well. Frozen chopped spinach gives you a great green color and flavor. Canned artichoke hearts add a nice texture. Cream cheese and sour cream create a rich, smooth base for the sauce. - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully. It gives the dish a stretchy texture. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a sharp taste. This mix keeps the dip flavors alive in the pasta. - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Garlic brings a savory depth to the dish. Olive oil helps sauté the garlic, releasing its aroma. Red pepper flakes can add a mild heat if you like spice. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Fresh parsley on top adds color and freshness. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add 12 oz penne pasta. Cook it until it's al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside for later. Next, let’s make the base for our sauce. In a large skillet, pour in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add 2 minced cloves of garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant but watch out not to burn it. Now we will create the creamy sauce. Add 1 cup of softened cream cheese and 1 cup of sour cream to the skillet. Stir until it becomes smooth and creamy. After that, add in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well until all the cheese is melted and mixed into the sauce. It’s time to add some green goodness! Stir in 1 cup of thawed and drained frozen chopped spinach and 1 cup of drained and chopped canned artichoke hearts. Season the mix with salt, pepper, and if you like a kick, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Let this cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. This helps the flavors blend nicely. Now, it’s time to bring it all together. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Gently toss the pasta with the creamy cheese and vegetable mix. Make sure every piece of pasta gets coated with that delicious sauce. Once mixed, remove the skillet from heat. Transfer the cheesy pasta to a serving dish. For a beautiful finish, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top. This adds a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy your cheesy spinach artichoke dip pasta! - Ensuring creamy sauce consistency: To keep your sauce smooth, make sure your cream cheese is soft. Let it sit out for about 30 minutes before using. Stir the cream cheese and sour cream together well. This creates a nice base. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of pasta water. This helps thin it out while adding flavor. - Avoiding burning garlic: Garlic can burn quickly. To avoid this, cook it over medium heat. Stir it often and watch it closely. As soon as it smells good, it's ready. If it turns brown, you need to start over. - Enhancing presentation with extra cheese: After serving, sprinkle more shredded mozzarella on top. This makes the dish look great and adds extra flavor. You can also melt it under the broiler for a minute for a golden finish. - Adding crispy bread crumbs: For extra crunch, mix some bread crumbs with melted butter and toast them lightly. Sprinkle these on your pasta just before serving. They add a nice texture contrast to the creamy pasta. - Experimenting with spices and herbs: Try adding spices for more flavor. A pinch of garlic powder or Italian seasoning can boost taste. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme also work well. Just chop them finely and stir them in right before serving. This gives your dish a fresh kick. Pro Tips Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach can add a brighter flavor and a more appealing texture compared to frozen. Just be sure to sauté it until wilted before adding to the sauce. Mix Cheeses for Depth: Combining different types of cheese, such as cheddar or cream cheese, can enhance the richness and flavor profile of your dip pasta. Adjust Spice Levels: Tailor the heat of the dish by modifying the amount of red pepper flakes. For a milder version, you can omit them entirely. Add Crunch: For a delightful contrast in texture, consider topping the dish with toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before serving. {{image_2}} You can change the pasta type for a fun twist. Use rotini, farfalle, or even whole wheat pasta. Each shape adds a new feel to the dish. If you want different cheese, try sharp cheddar or creamy goat cheese. Both options give the dip a unique flavor. To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options that taste just as good. For a vegan version, swap the cream cheese and sour cream for cashew cream or coconut yogurt. Use plant-based cheese to keep it creamy and delicious. Want to add more flavor? Try mixing in sun-dried tomatoes. They add a nice sweetness and tang. You can also toss in cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost. Both options make the dish heartier and more filling. To store your cheesy spinach artichoke dip pasta, let it cool first. Then, transfer the pasta to an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Stir well to make sure it heats evenly. If you want to freeze the pasta, follow these steps. Allow the dish to cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to seal it tightly. You can freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, warm it on the stove or in the oven until hot. Add a splash of milk or cream to help revive the sauce. For the best taste and safety, eat the pasta within three days when stored in the fridge. If you freeze it, consume it within three months. After these times, the flavor may fade, and the texture can change. Always check for off smells or colors before eating. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead. Cook the pasta and make the sauce. Mix them, but don’t bake yet. Store in the fridge. When ready to serve, bake until hot. How do I reheat cheesy spinach artichoke dip pasta? To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over low heat. Stir often to warm it evenly. You can add a splash of cream or milk if it seems dry. Heat until warm. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen? Yes, fresh spinach works well. Use about 2 cups of fresh spinach. Cook it down until wilted before adding to the dish. This gives a great flavor. What type of cheese works best for this recipe? I recommend using mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. They melt well and add a creamy texture. You can also mix in cheddar for extra flavor. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. It keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. You can easily pack it for lunches or quick dinners. In this post, you learned how to create a delicious cheesy spinach artichoke dip pasta. We covered key ingredients and step-by-step cooking instructions. You also discovered tips for flavor and storage. Remember, you can adapt this dish to fit your needs. Try different cheeses or pasta types for fun twists. With these guidelines, you can make a tasty meal that everyone will enjoy. Happy cooking!

Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip Pasta

A creamy and cheesy pasta dish featuring spinach and artichokes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
  • 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  • Add the softened cream cheese and sour cream to the skillet, stirring until smooth and creamy.
  • Add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and well combined.
  • Stir in the chopped spinach and artichoke hearts. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Let the mixture cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  • Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, gently tossing to coat the pasta with the cheese and vegetable mixture evenly.
  • Remove from heat and transfer the pasta to a serving dish.
  • Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for freshness and color.

Notes

Serve the pasta in a large bowl or individual plates, and sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese on top before serving. You can add crispy bread crumbs for extra texture if desired.
Keyword artichoke, cheesy, dip, pasta, spinach